Study found that African companies with at least 25% female Board representation enjoyed earnings 20% higher than average by industry.Three key findings:

In Africa, 5% of women are at the top in the private sector (CEO, executive committee and board), which is greater than the worldwide average, but women are increasingly underrepresented as they move up at all levels.

Africa has more women in its parliaments and cabinets than the global average. The report attributes the 15-year doubling of women in parliament and 5-fold increase in cabinets to countries setting targets for women’s representation.

However, as the report concludes, “… numbers do not equal influence.” African companies have more women in staff versus line roles (the latter more likely to present promotional opportunities) and women government ministers are more likely to serve in positions with less political influence (i.e., social welfare).